Swore I'd never check a bag after Lisbon, then the 3-1-1 rule made me pack a 22 inch roller last Thursday
For 6 straight trips I did carry-on only and bragged about it. Then Lisbon in March broke me. Half my liquids got tossed at security because I crammed a 5oz face wash into a 3oz bottle and it leaked everywhere.
So last Thursday I stood in my bedroom with two choices. Keep forcing the 40L backpack or buy a small 22 inch roller that gets checked at the gate. I picked the roller for $60 on sale.
Three flights later and I'm not mad at it. I still pack one outfit in the backpack, but the roller holds my shoes, my jacket, and the stuff that used to wreck my shoulders.
Now I'm wondering if anyone here still does strict one bag for trips over 9 days. What is your trick for liquids that actually stays under 3.4oz?